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The government has launched the Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) website where Malaysians can now check if they are eligible for subsidised petrol. The new scheme sets the price of RON 95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre for those who qualify, compared with the unsubsidised rate of RM2.60 per litre that takes effect from September 30.

The announcement was made by Finance Minister II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, who explained that motorists need only complete a quick verification process to begin enjoying the subsidised rate.

How to Check Eligibility

Visit the official website at www.budi95.gov.my

Click on “Semak Kelayakan Individu”.

Enter your MyKad number (numbers only, without dashes or spaces).

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Transport Minister Anthony Loke has revealed that owners of some of the world’s most exclusive car brands are sitting on road tax arrears amounting to nearly RM35.7 million.

According to figures from the Road Transport Department (JPJ), Porsche owners top the list with 4,308 vehicles racking up a combined RM13.7 million in unpaid road tax. Rolls-Royce follows with 345 cars owing RM6.4 million, while Bentley owners account for RM7 million from 660 vehicles. Ferrari owners are behind on RM4.7 million for 675 cars, and Lamborghini adds another RM3.7 million with 372 vehicles.

According to Bernama, Loke pointed out that many of these vehicles belong to high-profile individuals, including titled figures, politicians and prominent businessmen, yet the basic responsibility of renewing the Motor Vehicle Licence (LKM) is being ignored.

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On Saturday, 20 September, motorists on the East Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE) witnessed a striking sight, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, at 100 years old, confidently behind the wheel of the Proton e.MAS 7. Even as he approaches a century in age, the former Prime Minister looked comfortable and in command of Proton’s first mass-market electric vehicle.

Drivers who recognised him along the highway waved in respect, a small gesture reflecting the enduring admiration many Malaysians hold for him.

For Tun Mahathir, this was more than just a leisurely drive. His connection with Proton runs deep, going back to the 1980s when he spearheaded the national car project as part of his wider vision for Malaysia’s industrialisation.

It was under his leadership that Proton was established in 1983, with the first Saga rolling off the line in 1985. Over the decades, he has often been seen in Proton cars, treating them not as ceremonial symbols but as everyday vehicles. That bond between statesman and carmaker has never really faded.

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Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn. Bhd. (BHPetrol) has taken a big step forward in strengthening consumer confidence, as its range of lubricants has now been officially certified by SIRIM QAS International. The recognition comes in the form of the SIRIM Genuine Product Licensing Certification, awarded under licenses PG000056 and PG000057.

This certification applies across BHPetrol’s core lubricant lines – SynGard passenger car motor oils, Trans commercial vehicle and diesel engine oils, and Dash motorcycle oils – ensuring that each product meets strict quality, safety, and performance standards. The move also aligns with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living’s enforcement measures, which require all engine oil products sold after 7 October 2025 to carry proper SIRIM certification labels.

With certification in place, BHPetrol will soon begin rolling out official light green SIRIM QR code stickers on all newly manufactured and packaged certified lubricants. For products already in storage, light pink QR code stickers will be distributed to business partners. Through its sales representatives, BHPetrol will help coordinate the distribution of these stickers and provide support to ensure smooth implementation across its dealer network.

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Great Wall Motor (GWM) is preparing to launch the WEY G9 in Malaysia, marking the brand’s first premium new energy MPV for the market. It also becomes the first Chinese premium MPV of its kind to be locally assembled, with pricing confirmed to come in below RM300,000. Beyond Malaysia, right-hand-drive versions of the G9 will also be exported to regional markets including Thailand and Indonesia.

The arrival of the G9 expands GWM’s Malaysian line-up, which already features the HAVAL H6 HEV, the rugged TANK 300 and 500 HEVs, and the fully electric ORA Good Cat and ORA 07. The MPV fits neatly into the company’s “All Scenarios · All Powertrains · All Users” strategy, bringing a mix of advanced safety, practicality, and luxury aimed squarely at Malaysian families.

The model’s name is steeped in meaning. The “G” represents generational love, while “9” stands for unity and wholeness within the family. “WEY” itself pays tribute to brand founder Jack Wey. True to its “mobile living room” tagline, the G9 aims to transform family journeys into experiences that are both comfortable and connected.

Safety has been built into the very core of this MPV. It recently secured a 5-star C-NCAP safety rating thanks to a series of robust measures. The MPV employs a triple high-strength steel safety cage with more than 81% high-strength steel, ultra-high-strength 2000 MPa A- and B-pillars, reinforced third-row seatbacks, and innovative adhesive blocks to boost rigidity. The roof alone can withstand 12 tonnes of pressure.

To further protect occupants, side curtain airbags stretch over 3.1 metres to cover all three rows and remain inflated for six seconds during severe collisions or rollovers. Impact energy is channelled through a clever four-longitudinal, seven-cross chassis structure, while the battery pack goes through no fewer than 89 test scenarios.

With four-layer side impact protection, six-layer underbody shielding and advanced thermal and water resistance, the system is designed to cope with extremes.

Performance has not been overlooked. Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine working with a dual-motor hybrid setup and a 4-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission. Together, the system generates 442PS and 642Nm, enabling the G9 to sprint from 0–100km/h in just 5.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 200km/h.

Efficiency is equally impressive, with an electric-only range of 170 km (NEDC) from a 44.2kWh battery and a total range of up to 1,000km. Fuel consumption is rated as low as 1.2 litres per 100 km. Charging is quick too, taking 26 minutes for 30–80% on DC fast charge or 6.5 hours using AC.

Inside, the cabin has been designed to deliver first-class comfort. Nappa leather zero-gravity seats come with ventilation, massage, and a one-button reset function. A 12.5-litre refrigerator sits between the seats, offering both heating and cooling, and is practical enough to store drinks, medication, or even cosmetics.

Drivers are met with a two-spoke steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, and a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen that runs on GWM’s latest Coffee OS 3.

Flexibility is another highlight, with second- and third-row seats sliding on integrated tracks. With all seats in place, the boot holds 233 litres, but folding them down frees up a cavernous 1,725 litres.

The G9 measures 5,050 mm long, 1,960 mm wide, and 1,900 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,085 mm, which makes this bigger than a Toyota Alphard. Customers can choose from exterior colours of grey, black, or white, paired with interior trim in either brown or black.

Bookings are already being taken at selected dealerships nationwide, with the official launch set to take place soon. By pricing the WEY G9 below RM300,000 and combining safety, technology, and genuine luxury, GWM looks ready to raise the bar in Malaysia’s MPV segment.

Jetour Malaysia is celebrating Malaysia Day this year by giving back to local customers in a big way. The brand has rolled out petrol rewards worth more than RM1 million, available throughout September, as part of a nationwide initiative to thank Malaysians for their support.

The campaign is straightforward: the first 916 customers will receive an RM2,000 petrol card along with one year of complimentary comprehensive insurance. Civil servants are also being recognised through the Pride of the Nation Programme, which offers them an additional three per cent rebate on top of existing monthly promotions. Jetour says these gestures are designed to deliver meaningful benefits to families while paying tribute to those who serve the community.

The celebrations continue this weekend at KLCC, where Jetour takes on the role of Key Sponsor and Official Car Partner of the Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025. Visitors to the event can explore the brand’s showcase, engage with product specialists, and arrange test drives or assistance with redeeming the September offers.

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Proton’s electric push continues to gain traction as the Proton e.MAS 7 has once again claimed the title of Malaysia’s number one electric vehicle for August 2025. According to the latest figures, the EV has racked up 5,811 deliveries between January and August this year, with 5,455 units sold locally and a further 356 exported to four international markets.

This milestone means the e.MAS 7 has been the country’s best-selling EV for eight consecutive months, maintaining its lead since the start of the year. Based on JPJ registration data, the car holds a 24% market share, meaning almost one in every four EVs sold in Malaysia is a Proton e.MAS 7.

Local Assembly Begins in Tanjung Malim

August also marked a significant step forward for Proton with the official opening of its first dedicated EV plant in Tanjung Malim. Up until now, the e.MAS 7 had been brought in as a completely built-up (CBU) model from China to keep up with strong early demand. With the new facility now operational, Proton will soon begin local assembly of the model, making the e.MAS 7 the brand’s first CKD EV.

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The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is stepping up its road safety efforts with plans to enforce compulsory seatbelt use for everyone in private vehicles, including passengers in the back seat. While the exact date for enforcement has yet to be revealed, JPJ says the focus for now is on education and awareness before penalties come into play.

The latest initiative comes under the ‘Klik Sebelum Gerak’ campaign, which was launched to remind Malaysians that the simplest habit—buckling up—can be the most effective safety measure.

According to Bernama, JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli explained that the campaign is designed to build awareness before enforcement begins. The department will confirm the official start date later, but the direction is clear: wearing a seatbelt will soon be non-negotiable for all car occupants.

For those wondering about the consequences of ignoring the rule, the Motor Vehicles (Seatbelt and Child Restraint System) Rules 1978, last updated in 2019, outlines fines of up to RM300 for failing to buckle up. JPJ has made it clear that this step isn’t just about compliance, but about creating a lasting culture of safety on Malaysian roads.

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The all-new Proton X50 has officially taken the crown as Malaysia’s number one SUV. Launched on 24 July, the B-segment SUV impressed with its sharp design, modern features, and improved interior. In August alone, more than 4,000 units were sold, making it a clear leader in its class. A lot of interest has come from younger buyers, both online and in showrooms.

East Malaysia has played a big role in this success. Demand there is strong, and Proton has been preparing its after-sales support to keep up. The Regional Parts Centre in Kuching, Sarawak is now a key hub, ensuring parts reach dealers quickly — sometimes in just two days. The warehouse has expanded to 28,000 square feet, three times bigger than before, and can store stock for up to three and a half months. It also receives direct shipments from overseas, helping to keep supplies steady.

East Malaysia contributed 20.6% of Proton’s total sales in 2025, with market share growing to 19.5% from 19% last year. While the X50 is off to a strong start, the Proton Saga remains the best-seller in the region, with 13,619 units sold so far this year. The Persona and X50 follow behind.

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Kuala Lumpur’s daily battle with gridlock could soon get some relief as Nadi Willer Sdn. Bhd. pushes forward with its Japanese-inspired Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform. The company, led by CEO Ibrahim Aiman Bin Mohd Nadzmi, wants to make it easier for Malaysians to get around without having to rely on private cars.

The core of its plan lies in mobi DRT (Demand Responsive Transit), an app-based on-demand service that works alongside trains and buses to plug the gap in first- and last-mile connections. By giving people a smooth way to reach public transport, the system aims to reduce car dependency and, in turn, help ease congestion in the city.

Traffic jams in Kuala Lumpur are a long-standing problem, made worse by limited feeder options to connect with the rail network. Many commuters still depend on private cars, family pick-ups or e-hailing services, while mid-distance public transport remains underused. Safety concerns from recent bus accidents have only added to the issue. Nadi Willer believes its MaaS solution directly addresses these shortcomings by merging mass transit with flexible on-demand rides.

The service has already made an impact. As of August 2025, mobi DRT is operating across 26 areas, recording more than 400,000 passengers and over 100,000 registered users. Surveys show that 88% of riders use mobi DRT specifically to reach public transport, a major behavioural shift considering nearly half of them previously relied on family pick-ups and a quarter drove their own cars.

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